The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-04-09
MINNESOTA.

Minneapolis, April 2, 1857 ITO the
Editor Of The UNIvERsAnIsT. In Min
nesota our churches seem to be pretty
quiet, pursuing the usual work, not en-
gagged in any special labore. The churches
in our city and throughout the State where
regular services are held, have enjoyed
uniform good attendance and the enter
prises undertaken by them have been
successful up to the expectations Of the
people.
1t is cause of great regret that go
many of our parishes in this State are
without pastors. There is no more cer-
tain way to stagnation and death than to
abandon regular services. We might
learn a valuable lesson from our Metho-
dist friends in this particular. The gen.
ius of Methodism is it's zeal and fervor in
the public ministry; no circuit or appoint
ment is ever left alone. If the church
cannot be reached on Sunday, it will be
during the week. We look forward with
at our theological schools, trusting that
the men who receive the commission to
preach the gospel Of liberal Christianity
may engage in the great work with zeal
and sacrifice which will add new life
and new strength to our Zion. There
are many good opportunities in Minneso-
ia for men of earnest heart and good
ability, and it has always been mystery
to your correspondent that these oppor-
tunities remain so long unimproved.
Two weeks ago you informed the
readers of your paper that Mr., r. NJ
Bartlett had been taken home. In addi-
ton to your kind words, will you allow
me say that every one who knew him in
our city recognized in him genuine gen.
tleman and loving Christian. Mrs. Bart
lett and her son have the warm sympathy
of large circle of friends, who have
learned to love the departed and his fam
lily. The memory of his beautiful life
remains with us an elevating influence.
Br. Bartlett and his wife have manifested
a very deep interest in the Third church
from its beginning. Their presence and
their kind words have been an influence
to inspire our people in the hours of
hardest labor and severest trial. The
last time our brother spoke publicly
of the teaching and trend of thought of
Universalism was in conference meet
ing of the Third parish. How hopefully,
how kindly he spoke of liberal Christian
ity; and what good words he had to say
of the early workers in the denomination.
We all remember him, as he spoke
for about forty-ive minutes, on The
Growth of Liberal Thought in America"
and cherish his words and his kindness
in tender recollection. Rev. w. II. Har-
rington, his former pastor, assisted by the
writer, conducted the funeral services
and will furnish The UNIvERsALIsT with
an appropriate In Memoriam, which will
treat in detail what it is our province
only to treat incidentally.
Another sad story from our city
is the announcement of the death Of Mrs.
Trask, of Br. Powers's congregation. A
beautiful character, she was beloved by
every one. The whole community was
profoundly moved by her unexpected
death. Our church on the East Side has
lost one of its most earnest, able and
consistent workers. Rev. l.. G. Powers
was assisted by Rev. W. II. Harrington,
in the funeral services. At Mrs. Trask's
request the weeds OF mourning were not
worn, but profusion Of flowers selected
as much as possible to indicate the beau
ty, purity and hopefulness Of her life,
adorned the home, aud instead of the